SHAWNIGAN HONOURS COMMUNITY MEMBERS ...and
Transcription
SHAWNIGAN HONOURS COMMUNITY MEMBERS ...and
Shawnigan Shawnigan Focus Volume Four - Issue Four Focus APRIL 2014 A Non-Prof i t Communi t y Publi ca tio n SHAWNIGAN HONOURS COMMUNITY MEMBERS Photo by Ed Wiebe Dave Hutchinson Shawnigan Focus Seven remarkable people were honoured with Community Awards at the 2nd annual Shawnigan Gathering on March 29th: Martine Thompson of Shawnigan House Coffee and Linda Christy of Oma’s Bakery (on left) were congratulated for their respective efforts and success in providing two wonderful and complementary businesses. Their shared space is warm and inviting all year round and is viewed by many as an unofficial town hall. Quietly, and politely determined, John Hayes (4th from left), has provided leadership in the battle to convince the province that contaminated waste in a community watershed is a bad idea. This creator of “Save Our Shawnigan Water” signs is also one of the appellants at the Environmental Appeal Board hearings currently underway. Domenico Iannidinardo and Frank Limshue (5th & 6th from left) represent Timberwest/Couverdon as the largest private landowner in the Shawnigan watershed. They have been working with the Watershed Roundtable towards defining an ecologically sensible plan for the future. Georgia Collins (3rd from right) is the Executive Director of the Shawnigan Basin Society and a driving force behind the work underway intended to achieve more local control of what happens in our watershed. Ecological governance is high on her list of priorities. Rick Restell is the owner/operator of Bonterra Pizza which he opened a year or so ago after a career in the insurance business. Actively concerned about the community he is also a savvy entrepreneur. A second Bonterra location is opening soon in the Pioneer centre in Mill Bay. The awards were presented by CVRD Chair Rob Hutchins (on right) and Malahat Chief Michael Harry (3rd from left) ...and Shawnigan is honoured On March 2nd, Shawnigan’s own Cameron Trustham was to be awarded a gold medal from the Royal Conservatory of Music for receiving the highest marks in the province for grade 2 vocal at the “Chan Auditorium” in Vancouver. 1 | SHAWNIGAN FOCUS The imminent arrival of his new brother and a snowstorm prevented him from attending the awards ceremony, but it did not lessen the pride when his gold medal was finally received in the mail. To say that Cameron comes by his musical talent honestly is an understatement. He is the third generation of a much-loved Shawnigan Lake family that has brought music to our community through local schools and public events for the past forty years. Grandparents Kate and Johnny Roberts and greataunt, Judy Roberts, all taught school in Shawnigan Lake, and music was always an important part of the curriculum. Cameron’s mother, Anna Roberts, wowed everyone in her first year of teaching by taking on the stage production of «Jesus Christ Superstar» at Kelsey, in addition to several Shawnigan Player’s productions. Meanwhile, Aunt Cecily Dhami is instilling the joy of music to her students at Ecole Cobble Hill We will undoubtedly be looking forward to baby brother David joining the musical dynasty. Shawnigan Focus SHAWNIGAN FOCUS APRIL 2014 Shawnigan Focus turns 3! EDITORIAL TEAM Lori Treloar Dave Hutchinson Brent Beach editor@shawniganfocus.ca LAYOUT Taryn Treloar ADVERTISING Kim Hennecker ads@shawniganfocus.ca FOCUS TEAM Linda Nelson Farrell Magnusson Monica Foster Sally Davies Peter Nash Bev McCooey Marcy Green Grant Treloar Janet Neilsen ACCOUNTS Kim Hennecker COPY SUBMISSION DEADLINE MAY 2014 Issue: MAY 7TH Please send copy as an email attachment using Microsoft Word, text, RTF or Appleworks to: editor@shawniganfocus.ca Please do not send a PDF as it does not convert properly. Leave hard copies of articles in the Focus box at the The Chippery: 1- 2740 Dundas, Shawnigan Lake AD SUBMISSION DEADLINE The 8th of every month for mid-month publication. Ads should be sent in correct sizing, B&W, high resolution, and as a JPEG or PDF. Kim is also available to help create or reformat your ad. Contact Kim at ads@shawniganfocus.ca CLASSIFIEDS $10 (under 30 words) ads@shawniganfocus.ca ABOUT THE FOCUS The Shawnigan Focus is an independent, local, non-profit publication, produced by the volunteer Focus team. Shawnigan Focus endeavours to inform; promote harmony and involvement in the community; and interest a broad cross-section of the residents of Shawnigan Lake. Shawnigan Focus is delivered, free of charge, to postal addresses in Shawnigan Lake (Area B). Out-of-town subscriptions are available for a fee. Contact: editor@shawniganfocus.ca Views expressed in articles are not the opinions of The Shawnigan Focus, but of the authors. Additional copies are available in The Village. MAILING ADDRESS Shawnigan Focus - Box 331, Shawnigan Lake, V0R 2W0 Shawnigan Moments In April 2011, the first issue of the community paper, Shawnigan Focus was published. The aim was to produce a monthly paper that would be put together by a volunteer team and mailed, free of charge, to the residents of the Shawnigan area. The mission a newspaper that would provide a platform for community engagement and communication. Our Vision remains the same: Strong community through strong communication With roughly thirty-six issues under our belt, the paper has evolved into a wonderful community asset. The volunteer team steps up every month to do their part and the process is smooth, as each volunteer knows their role and does it without supervision or fanfare. Local residents support the Focus by providing information, letters and photos that celebrate our community each month. Local businesses support the Focus by placing ads. While we need revenue to pay for printing and postage, we do not aim to ‘make’ money and try to keep the ad prices reasonable so that businesses and groups can promote themselves locally. PUZZLE MANIA ANSWERS ON PAGE 13 2 | SHAWNIGAN FOCUS Editorial - Letters to the Editor WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO SEND US LETTERS… EDITOR@SHAWNIGANFOCUS.CA The Focus will publish your thoughts on Shawnigan issues: bouquets you would like to offer to special people; things that strike you as funny; challenges you want our civic leaders to consider; and/or ideas that would better our community. Letters to the Editor must be accompanied by the author’s full name, address and phone number, but the contact information, other than the name, will not be published. Letters should be limited to 300 words and we reserve the right to edit for brevity or to refuse inappropriate or abusive language. Letters should attack issues - not individuals or groups. Thank you SIA! one is always watching. Dear Mr. Kelly and Mr. Block Thank you for being the inspiration for change in my son. Without your company’s deplorable and reprehensible attitude toward this fight and the environment, he may not have become as environmentally active as he is. It’s hard to motivate an 11 year old boy, but you have done it in a way I couldn’t. You have alienated an entire generation in this community. They will NEVER forget what you have tried to do. I would like to thank you for all that you have done. Thank you for galvanizing a community. You did something that community leaders and family groups have tried to do for many years. Shawnigan Lake is a widespread community with differing interests. This fight has ensured we are all on the same page and united as one. Our united message, thanks to you: NOT IN OUR WATERSHED! Thank you for showing us how low (scraping the bottom of the slimy barrel low) you can go in the name of money. Having seen how disgusting it is, none of us will ever put ourselves into that position where money is more important than anything else. Thank you for manipulating the media and ensuring you have a squeaky clean record according to the Times Colonist. What an amazing lesson we learned about the biases that exist in our ‘unbiased’ media. Thank you for allowing your henchmen to be caught on video stealing signs protesting the dump. It reminds us all that some- Thank you for sneering and holding the entire process (from the initial public consultation to the EAB appeal) in contempt. You have reminded us that this truly is a joke. No one in their right mind should have to worry about fighting a toxic dump in their watershed. It is a joke. Thanks for laughing. Thank you for secretly taping the conversations between your company and the rest of the world, and then sharing them publicly. Again you have reminded us that there is always someone listening. These are all great lessons that will definitely be carried forward. In greatest appreciation, Peggy Ransom $335,000 Severance Pay? Dear Editor, We support Bill Dumont’s demand for complete accountability and full transparency by the CVRD to its taxpaying citizens. It is wrong that taxpayers should have to pay a fee for information which should be readily available to us. It is wrong that these bureaucrats feel entitled to spend our money however they want. In particular, the $335,000 severance paid to a top bureaucrat, when $23,000 was all that was required by law, and the expenses on the 57 credit cards issued to employees that are not being reported in the legally required statement of financial information. We need more people who will add their voice to that of Bill Dumont, in standing up for all of us. And we thank him for all his efforts on our behalf. Sincerely, Tony and Priddy Camson Is the bully the one who states their opinion? The latest edition of the Focus has an article by Dave Hutchinson and a letter by Bruce Fraser, both which characterize the recent short-lived signs posted in If we re-open Elsie Miles That would bring smiles And in our village… More shoppers Less crime Less coppers. Joan Wachtin the village as “Sleazy, negative, not worthy of respect, posted by bullies, crude, juvenile, slanderous, and something our society is trying to extinguish.” Director Fraser then goes on to criticize one of his constituents, Mary Ann Watson, who found the removal of the signs a restriction of free speech. negative sign campaigns in this area and this is the first time that so much energy has gone into calling down the messenger. That could be why the messenger has chosen to remain anonymous. Is the bully the one who states their opinion or the one who attempts to extinguish it? Like the message or not, it was the right of this person or group to express their displeasure with the actions of their elected officials and politicians should expect criticism on divisive issues. There have been plenty of “To view the opposition as dangerous is to misunderstand the basic concepts of democracy. To oppress the opposition is to assault the very foundation of democracy.” - Aung San Suu Kyi, Rick Restell “Only the purpose of a coherent community, fully alive both in the world and in the minds of its members, can carry us beyond fragmentation, contradiction, and negativity, teaching us to preserve, not in opposition but in affirmation and affection, all things needful to make us glad to live.” Wendell Berry Photo courtesy of the Shawnigan Lake Museum The beginning of the Shawnigan Lake community. The Village site. c1911 APRIL 2014 ~ SHAWNIGAN FOCUS | 3 Shawnigan Focus At the EAB hearing with John Hayes Brent Beach Shawnigan Focus Do you know John Hayes? Perhaps not, but you have seen his posters. John designed and made the “Save Our Water, Shawnigan” posters and bumper stickers. John designed the poster listing the toxic substances the Permit allows SIA to bring into the watershed. John is an Appellant, along with the SRA, the CVRD and Richard Sanders. John has been in the hearing room every day, from 9 AM to 5 PM. John was recognized for this work with a Community Award at the Gathering. John sent me an email because I had written on the SIA contaminated soil Permit in the Focus. He was concerned that the news media were not covering the Environmental Appeal Board (EAB) hearing of the Shawnigan Residents Association (SRA) appeal of that permit. Could the Focus help? I had watched a few days of the hearings on-line. Thanks to the SRA and CVRD for broadcasting the hearing on the CVRD web site. They are allowed to broadcast, they cannot save the video. The SIA lawyers prevented that, saying that someone might alter the video, confusing the public record. The result - this hearing is public as long as you are in the room or watching live. If you can do neither it is not public for you. Is the SIA team worried about the accuracy of the public record, or suppression of the public record? I sat in the hearing room behind John for several days. Outside of the hearings we spent several hours discussing what had happened. There is much that has happened in the hearings that the residents of Shawnigan need to know, as do the residents of every other community watershed in the province. What have I learned? What should the public know? The engineers supporting the SIA Permit claim to be science based, expert and professional. If you attended the CVRD Open House in July 2012, you heard these claims. During the EAB hearings we have come to doubt their selfassessment. Are they experts? This question has been answered by the EAB in one way. It has indicated that “their evidence will not carry the weight of qualified experts”. It has been answered in another way by the experts who have given opinions on the permeability of the rock under the quarry. Experts from the Water Protection Branch, the SRA expert Lowen, and the CVRD experts Thurber, have all said that the reports presented by the SIA engineers are inadequate. For example, Thurber writes: “The bedrock geology at this site is too complex to develop a meaningful geological model or to ascertain the potential for groundwater flow, based on a total of 5 test holes.” This mirrors evidence presented by other unbiased experts. Are they professional? The SIA engineers are unprofessional in their replies to other experts. One of the expert reviewers has lodged a formal complaint with the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC for the “false statements attacking DL and LHC’s professional integrity, honesty, ethics, motives, qualifications and character.” DL is Dennis Lowen of LHC, Lowen Hydrogeology Consulting. Read any of the SIA replies to external experts and make up your own mind. Are these people professionals? Are they scientists? One argument the SIA engineers commonly used in their replies to our experts’ reports, is that the other experts have not yet visited the site. They claimed special expertise based on their experience on the site. That is not how science is done. Peer review is based on public documents and public data. Attacking a peer reviewer based on unpublished information is not science. In the end, in spite of their site specific knowledge, Environmental Appeal Board April 16, 17, 23 and June 4th - 6th. 3rd Floor 747 Fort Street, Victoria. Streaming URL www.cvrd. bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1805 4 | SHAWNIGAN FOCUS they were wrong about the hydrogeology. were wrong by several orders of magnitude. How about water treatment? Our Experts The expert hired by the SRA to review their water treatment system, Dr Lalith Liyanage, among other criticisms of the WTS wrote: “The proposed treatment processes are not suitable to remove ...chloride and sodium.” How about contaminated material selection? One of the first SIA contracts brought in dredgate from Prince Rupert. The material dredged from the harbour is full of salt water. Their design does not remove salt. Their design handles only dry soils (no de-watering equipment). Would experts support a contract for material their water treatment system cannot handle? MoE Decision Makers With all these questions being raised by independent experts, are the decision makers within the Ministry of Environment (MoE) concerned about allowing this permit? When the Water Protection Branch suggested that the science behind the estimates of rock permeability was inadequate - not enough drill holes, not widely enough spaced around the site - the MoE decision maker was unfazed. He allowed the permit anyway because “that was just one of the inputs” he received. If the decision maker is not using advice from his own experts or the SRA expert, whose advice is he using? In the hearings, the decision maker explained that the process is performance based. The MoE sets standards which the proponent must meet. The MoE does not look at a design and decide if the design is adequate. Rather, the MoE decision maker “relies on work of qualified professionals, assuming that their designs will actually work.” Another MoE decision maker said he ignored input from the Vancouver Island Health Authority (VIHA) because he thought the VIHA expert did not understand what the word impermeable meant. That MoE decision maker also decided no more drill holes were needed before the permit was awarded. He said he thought that additional drill holes would not change the rock permeability results in a measurable way. In fact, further testing showed the initial permeability estimates The citizens of Shawnigan Lake are the sole champions of their environment. They have organized themselves, raised money, hired lawyers and technical experts. They showed that the Permit was based on bad science. John Hayes, along with many other residents, has given up months of his life because this permitting process is designed to issue permits, not to protect the environment. Had the residents not acted, the SIA site would now be accepting contaminated soil using treatment and storage systems that would have failed to contain the contamination. The MoE permitting process, absent the experts hired by the SRA and CVRD, would have failed. Failure Based Environmental Protection We see now that when the MoE uses the term “Performance Based” what we should be hearing is “Failure Based.” Is failure-based good enough when failure means pollution of our community watershed? There are many more processes and systems that have yet to be implemented. Most are unspecified at this point. These additional systems will require, for their safe deployment, capable and expert engineers whose priority is the environment. Nothing we have seen from SIA gives John Hayes or me any assurance that more mistakes will not be made. If we cannot rely on MoE to protect our environment, our only option appears to be to continue, through the SRA and CVRD, to raise money, hire experts and lawyers, and challenge SIA. Forever! Is that really how environmental protection works in BC? (Note on quotations: some are from documents, so are exact. Some are from notes that I and others took during the hearings. We did our best, but some witnesses talk very quietly. I apologize for any errors.) John’s Hope John has spent much more time in the EAB hearing room than I have. John believes given the evidence from the independent experts, and predictions of environmental damage to the watershed, the EAB panel will do the right thing and overturn this permit. John believes that the panel will decide that there are too many known unknowns and unknown unknowns in this project for it to go forward. I do not have his experience in the room, or his faith in the EAB mandate. I am afraid the panel will allow the permit, perhaps with a few more conditions. With inadequate oversight, adding conditions makes no difference. The Future No matter who wins, there will almost certainly be a judicial appeal. Our contaminated waste nightmare is not going away any time soon. John and others have worked hard for the last year and a half. Now is the time for all residents to step forward and become part of our fight. Anything you do will make a difference. Join the SRA. Tell the CVRD that you support their efforts to stop the Permit. Write to the Premier and the Minister of the Environment. Talk to your neighbours and discover among yourselves how you can get involved and how you can be most effective. Who knows? Perhaps you may come up with the idea that ends this threat to Shawnigan Lake - our home. You won’t if you don’t try. Links to documents from our experts at BrentattheFocus. Photo by Chris Clay Shawnigan Focus We won’t stop fighting Sonia Furstenau OP-Ed Here is the most important thing to know about the contaminated soil dispute going on in Shawnigan: the community will never stop fighting to keep the toxic soil out of our watershed. To stop fighting against the toxic soil would be to stop fighting for the future of Shawnigan. To stop fighting would be to accept that democracy does not function the way it should. To stop fighting would mean accepting that the business interests of a few individuals outweigh the right to safe drinking water and economic prosperity for a community of many thousands. We will continue to fight because, as the President of the Shawnigan Residents Association, Calvin Cook, has pointed out, the people of Shawnigan would have to accept 100% of the risk and 0% of the benefits of this plan. With each load of contaminated soil arriving at the South Island Aggregates (SIA) site, the profits for Mike Kelly and Marty Block increase at the same time that the risk for contamination of the lake and the drinking water increases. As the risk increases, the negative economic impacts for the community will compound. Attracting tourists to what has been a pristine and beautiful setting will become progressively more difficult as the association between Shawnigan Lake and contaminated soil grows stronger. Attracting new students to the two international schools located on the lake will also become more challenging; one can only imagine, as a parent, the hesitation to send a child to a school where dioxins and hydrocarbons have been approved for dumping in the watershed. We will continue to fight because Shawnigan Lake School is the principal employer in the area. In addition to two hundred fifty jobs and the tax revenue generated, it brings income to other local businesses. SIA’s plan offers no new jobs in the community, no increased revenue for local businesses – indeed, the only thing it offers is a significant threat to the long-term economic health of the community. We will continue to fight because we do not accept the legitimacy of the Ministry of Environment’s process. We do not accept the findings of the engineering firm Active Earth, many of which have already been refuted in the Environmental Appeal Board hearings by other engineers and hydro-geologists. We do not accept that the Ministry of Environment ignores these engineers while accepting Active Earth’s assessment, despite the glaring conflict of interest inherent in the fact that Active Earth was awarded the contract by SIA to build the contaminated soil facility. We will continue to fight because despite Hubert Bunce, the Ministry of Environment’s statutory decision maker, receiving 1200 submissions from the community in opposition to the permit, the concerns have not been addressed. Most alarming to us are the potential health hazards of the myriad of chemicals and toxins listed in the permit. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), exposure to Benzene is linked to “harmful effects on bone marrow”, “excessive bleeding”, and “cancer in humans”. Toluene can cause “permanent toxicity to the brain”. The impacts of Phenolic substances, accord- ing the CDC, include “death, systemic, immunological, neurological, reproductive, developmental, genotoxic, and carcinogenic effects.” The Health and Safety Executive of the UK states that “health effects associated with a single exposure to hydrocarbons are asphyxiation, narcosis (ie depression of the central nervous system; anaesthesia), cardiac arrest and aspiration.” Finally, the World Health Organization states that “dioxins are highly toxic and can cause reproductive and developmental problems, damage the immune system, interfere with hormones and also cause cancer.” This is only a short list of allowable contaminants – there are twelve in all. We will continue to fight because the assertions from the Ministry of Environment that these substances, put directly into our watershed, do not constitute a threat to the health of the environment and the people who depend on it, do not reassure us. We believe that five million tonnes of contaminated soil left in a watershed forever is a grave threat to the environment and the people. We will continue to fight because the plan put forward by SIA – to have the contaminated soil sit on a liner forever – is doomed to failure. It has been acknowledged at the hearings that all liners eventually leak, so what the people of Shawnigan Lake are being asked to accept is a ticking time bomb. The people of Shawnigan Lake will continue to gather together, cooperate, fundraise, support each other, and fight against this misguided and unacceptable proposal. We will fight for our lives, for our children’s lives, and for the lives of many, many generations to come. ÌÌ http://www.bt.cdc.gov/ agent/benzene/basics/ facts.asp ÌÌ http://des.nh.gov/ organization/ commissioner/pip/ factsheets/ard/ documents/ard-ehp-4.pdf ÌÌ http://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/ toxprofiles/tp115-c3.pdf ÌÌ http://www.hse.gov. uk/offshore/notices/ sn_04_04.htm ÌÌ http://www.who.int/ mediacentre/factsheets/ fs225/en/ Environmental Appeal Board hearings – 101 Shawnigan Focus Sally Davies most toxic waste sites in Canada - how convenient is that? Whether it is because of the general demise of mainstream media and the subsequent lack of reporters, or simply disinterest outside of our community, there has been a dearth of information about the proceedings involving the legal battle of the Shawnigan Residents Association (SRA) and the Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) in the fight to prevent the dumping of contaminated soil in Shawnigan Lake’s Watershed. Active Earth drilled four test holes, relatively close together and on the edge of the SIA site. It was later discovered that one was not even on SIA property. The three remaining test holes, and resulting core samples, told Active Earth that there was little likelihood of permeability - that is, of contaminated run-off reaching our drinking water should the liner, that was touted to last for eternity, fail. As a citizen observer with zero scientific background, this is what I have learned to date. For the purpose of my musings I will define “experts” as what Environmental Appeal Board (EAB) and both sides of the legal teams have agreed upon - most experts having credentials that are too long to list here. “Just the facts ma’am” Who knew that there are people who study nothing but cracks in rocks, the flow of water, the suitability (or lack thereof) of engineered liners, etc.? Suffice to say that there were about thirty witnesses called with scientific backgrounds. What we were told: “Active Earth” is the firm of engineers hired by South Island Aggregates (SIA) and whose expert advice informed the Ministry of the Environment (who issued the permit based upon the suitability of this proposal). It was reported upon initial application, and at a public meeting, that this site was “unique in all of British Columbia, being comprised of solid bedrock”. In an abundance of caution there would be a layer of clay and an engineered liner to contain the 5 million tons of contaminated soil that would be dumped over the next fifty years. All of this is located forty-five minutes from one of the ÌÌ No expert witness had encountered a situation where contaminated fill was to be dumped in a pristine environment. ÌÌ No expert witness testified that they knew of an operation where rock blasting and storage of contaminated fill co-existed. ÌÌ No expert witness knew of a contaminated waste site that was deliberately planned in a watershed that supplied drinking water. A panel of three experts from Thurber Engineering, amongst others, in reviewing the data from Active Earth, stated under oath that they did not reach the same conclusions about the site being on solid bedrock and, further, that the water may likely flow downward. Ultimately, it was conceded by all that the site was “complex mixed fractured rock,” and may have seams of porous limestone within the quarry boundaries. The overriding conclusion by all experts, except SIA’s and the MOE that had accepted their findings as professional engineers, was that no conclusion could possibly be reached with the paucity of scientific data provided. The expert witnesses called to offer an opinion contradicted many of “Active Earth’s” conclusions. It was also revealed that hazardous waste had already been dumped on the site and remains there to this day, caught in a legal wrangling as to whose problem it is (I’m guessing the residents of Shawnigan Lake), Most recently it was discovered that the quarry’s water purification system was built on CVRD land and must be removed and the land returned to it’s natural state. The Environmental Appeal Board (EAB) did not allow more allegations of questionable activities by SIA into evidence because it did not speak directly to the permit. It was further suggested that the character of the dumpers that would be hiring their own technicians to monitor the safety of the site, and the public drinking water, was not relevant. All information regarding the initial application prior to 2011 had mysteriously disappeared. Documents that were requested last year were not given to the CVRD or SRA lawyers until mid-way through the hearings. Tomes of information relating to the mines permit were dumped on the team after several key witnesses had already testified. In the end, I am told that this whole expensive exercise is to determine if a mistake was made in law by the authority granting the permit. It remains to be seen if the failure of Active Earth’s erroneous data and the withholding of pertinent information will have any bearing on the outcome. Stay tuned. The SRA may be having more bottle drives to support another appeal; and more of your tax dollars will be needed to fund the lawyers that are trying to convince our government not to jeopardize our drinking water. APRIL 2014 ~ SHAWNIGAN FOCUS | 5 Shawnigan Focus CVRD extravagance and excess By W.E. (Bill) Dumont Shawnigan Lake Resident Nothing gets taxpayers more angry these days than excessive public sector salaries, settlements and expense claims by politicians, their spouses and others that are huge rip-offs of public money by those who believe they are entitled to take it. Last week we saw the Alberta premier resign/ get turfed over her ridiculous $45,000 expense claim for one trip to Africa. Last year several Senators were thrown out of parliament for the same reason. We continually see our MPs fly to Ottawa in First Class to go along with their $200,000 salaries, benefits and gold pensions. The CVRD just gave its terminated head bureaucrat a parting gift of more than $335,000 of our money. BC’s employment laws require only 1 week’s pay per year of service as severance or a total of about $23,000 in that case. All our taxes will increase to pay for this obscene giveaway which could have easily been avoided by putting the taxpayer first before signing the one-sided CAO employment contract. In the Cowichan Valley the CVRD gives out more than $1000 of public money every day to its staff and politicians for expense claims. 57 of the more than 230 employees and Board members have Scotiabank CVRD paid credit cards to make it easy for them to spend public money. Some of those credit card expenses are not even being reported in the legally required Annual Statement of Financial Information (SOFI) where both the salaries of all those making over $75,000 in annual pay and their expenses have to be disclosed. Last year, because the CVRD hides expense details, I had to do a Freedom of Information request (FOI) to figure out how much was spent sending Board and staff to municipal conventions across Canadaeven though the CVRD is not a municipality. This was after it was revealed that we paid more than $45,000 to send a bunch of them to a meeting in Halifax that had little or nothing to do with the Cowichan Valley or their responsibilities as Board members. Taxpayers are forced to use the FOI process because the CVRD refuses on line or public disclosure of any details of their expense claims and prefers to keep them a secret. This is contrary to other levels of government which are finally disclosing details like the now infamous $16 glass of orange juice which also got rid of another politician who didn’t respect our money. There’s nothing “free” about FOI requests! The CVRD tried to charge me more than $600 to get these detailed meeting expenses. Because their accounting system is so antiquated and haywire from a public disclosure perspective they racked up over 19 hours of labour and 540 pages of minutiae to respond to my rather simple request. I refused to pay for what should be freely available public information and appealed for a fee waiver from the CVRD which they rejected. I then appealed to the BC Information and Privacy Commissioner in Victoria who helped reduce the CVRD bill by one half. The FOI results are very disturbing. In 2012 and 2013 we paid more than $74,000 to send 41 CVRD Directors and staff to 5 sets of meetings of the Federation of Cana- dian Municipalities, Union of BC Municipalities, and Association of Vancouver Island Municipalities mostly held in high cost hotels and facilities. These organizations charge huge annual fees and meeting registration costs to fill their own coffers with public money. Spouses regularly accompanied many of the Directors. Several CVRD Directors habitually attend every convention meeting. In Vancouver last year we paid $287 per night for each room for 3 Directors to stay 4 nights in the fancy hotel “to enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks in a dynamic setting as you connect with colleagues…” The CVRD rules for expense claims are so lax that many Directors don’t even sign their own claims- they get a clerk to do it. There is also no consolidated expense claim for a Director to attend a meeting the costs are never summarized so that the public can easily see what has been spent and claimed. The CVRD prepays registration and other costs and even issues advances for expenses that are difficult to track. In Victoria in 2012 we paid almost $29,000 for CVRD Directors and Staff to spend a week in another fancy hotel. Because those who attend meetings get a very generous daily meal allowance without any receipts there is no public disclosure of what they actually spend the allowance on. Not surprisingly there wasn’t any discussion of how to reduce local government spending or taxes-it’s never on the agendas at these meetings. Instead there is a lot of whining about spending or lack of it by other levels of government even though the CVRD and others have almost doubled spending in the past decade with little to show for it except higher taxes, higher salaries, more employees and more expense account claims for us to pay. There is little measureable public benefit from sending CVRD staff and politicians and their spouses to these municipal conventions at public expense. It is also time that the CVRD moves out of the stone age of hiding expense details and has full public disclosure of all their expenses on line as soon as they are paid so the public knows exactly what is going on with our money. Shawnigan Lake Business Association Chris Clay SLBA Vice Chair The SLBA has a long history of supporting the Shawnigan Lake community, and this year is no exception. The board has been hard at work on a number of initiatives and community events including workshops, Family Day, the Shawnigan Gathering, and the Easter Egg Hunt. The new SLBA ball hockey rink, first unveiled at Christmas in the Village, was a hit at both Family Day and the Shawnigan Gathering. The SLBA also provided a booth in the Gathering’s business trade show and sponsored a guest speaker, Holly Douglas, who spoke on social media strategies for business. In April, the board organized a business mixer and social media workshop featuring Brenda Burch from Social Media is Simple. In the coming months, be sure to bring out the kids to enjoy the SLBA hockey rink at the Canada Day festivities and during a special Father›s Day weekend tournament. This year’s AGM will take place in June, at Island Daylily farms. Stay tuned to the SLBA website, shawniganlakeonline.com, for more information on community events and upcoming SLBA projects. Incidentally, the website is being rebuilt from the ground up and the new, improved version will launch sometime in June. Finally, the SLBA board wishes to extend a warm welcome to the Association’s newest members: Bonterra Pizza, Gather Food & Beverage, LT Dance Studio, Millie Ann’s Salon, and Pat Lintaman Design. Joining the SLBA is a great way to network with other local businesses while supporting your community. For more information, please contact info@slba.ca. Come stop by and have a look around, to see what you’ve been missing! Quality, Convenience and Great Customer Service! 778-356-3313 Tuesday to Saturday 10-6 ~ NEW Summer hours coming May 1 st 2740 Dundas Road - ‘In the purple building’ - www.steersmeatshopltd.com 6 | SHAWNIGAN FOCUS Photo by Chris Clay Shawnigan Focus Shawnigan Residents Association Report Blaise Salmon Director & Secretary SRA Environmental Appeal Board The Environmental Appeal Board completed four weeks of hearings on Shawnigan’s controversial contaminated soil dump on April 4. The three member board, chaired by Alan Andison, heard over twenty expert witnesses on many aspects of the contaminated soil permit. The witnesses were questioned by lawyers representing the Shawnigan Residents Association (Sean Hern and Robert Anderson QC, of Farris LLP), the CVRD, the BC Ministry of Environment, and South Island Aggregates, as well as Shawnigan residents John and Lois Hayes, and Rick Sanders. Most of the expert evidence provided by hydrogeologists, engineers and other professionals appeared to be damning for the permit. Of interest was that a visit to the SIA site by all parties, including the Appeal Board members, showed that SIA did not have the required water treatment system in place, and the settling pond was situated too close to the property boundary. The SRA and Shawnigan Lake School led a successful rally with the support of the community on March 27th at the Legislature where hundreds showed up to voice their opposition to the SIA contaminated soil dump. We made our voices heard in the halls of power in Victoria and let our politicians know that the will of the people to protect our drinking water must trump that of opportunistic business interests, now and in the future. Due to the complexity of this case, several more days of hearings have been scheduled, April 16, 17 and 23, and June 4 - 6. The Shawnigan Residents Association has raised over $150,000 for legal fees so far. More funds will be needed to carry on the fight. The SRA believes in clean, safe, drinkable, swimmable and liveable water. Please show your support, visit our website today thesra.ca. CVRD property taxes The Cowichan Valley Regional District (CVRD) board passed the 2014 budget on March 26. Property taxes for the average Area B Shawnigan residence will increase by $19.98, significantly higher than the increases for Cobble Hill ($14.31), and Mill Bay ($2.92). As expected a portion of Shawnigan’s increase is for the new $50,000 annual grant for the Shawnigan Basin Society. Overall, CVRD taxes are slated to increase 2.36%, less than the 8% average of the four previous years. However, funds will have to be found within the budget to accommodate the yet-to-bedetermined wage increase for both union and management staff for 2014. It remains to be seen where these funds will come from. Late last year the CVRD board froze increases for the top six management staff for 2014, after public outcry over excessive salary levels, which ranged up to $200,000 a year. Photo by Chris Clay Save Shawnigan water rally a resounding success! Hundreds of concerned students and residents made their voices heard at the BC Legislature on March 27th. The rally organized by the Shawnigan Residents Association, included Shawnigan Lake School and Dwight International School. A clear message was delivered to elected representatives in Victoria. What kind of government allows its own Ministry of Environment to jeopardize a community’s drinking water. There is something fundamentally wrong with the process. See more photos on page 16 SRA Message The SRA would like to apologize to the Leora Nugent Family for misspelling Leora’s name in our media release last month. We regret that this resulted in her name being misspelled elsewhere and for that we are very sorry. The Leora Nugent Family’s generous challenge to ‘match’ contributions prompted 41 others to contribute $10,000 last month - resulting in Legal Action Fund contributions of $20,000 in March! Are you interested in contributing to the SRA Legal Action Fund to #SaveShawniganWater? Do you have a ‘Challenge’ that you would like to send out to the community? If so, we would love to hear from you. Please message us at annemarie@sramail.ca to discuss. Thank you to everyone for supporting the SRA and the community of Shawnigan Lake - and a very big Thank You to the Leora Nugent Family! APRIL 2014 ~ SHAWNIGAN FOCUS | 7 Shawnigan Focus Thanks from Area B Director Bruce Fraser The word picture here is a symbol of the effort that it takes to produce an event with the scope of the Shawnigan Gathering. Organizers, musicians, dancers, business people, advocates, political leaders, community groups, and more, volunteered their time to educate and entertain us. What the Gathering helps to illustrate is how much talent, public spirit, business acumen and vitality exists and how willing people are to contribute to the life of our community. I would like to thank all the contributors for their efforts and to say how much I enjoyed chatting with those who came to the event. On March 29th, TimberWest received a Community Service Award from the Shawnigan Lake Community. TimberWest and its predecessors have been the largest single landowner in the Shawnigan Watershed for over a century. The land has been managed and trees have been harvested for what will next be a third time. Forests are a great renewable resource and provide additional continuous public resources in the form of water quality, recreation, spirit, wildlife, and visual backdrops to a busy rural/residential environment. It was overly lavish of the community to provide such a formal honour to our company, but we graciously accept it while acknowledging our responsibility to always be a good corporate citizen. Domenico and Frank, TimberWest/Couverdon Certainty means different things to different people. We should all agree that nature is always right, people will always use resources, and the phenomenon of a community committed to better understanding its watershed is most certainly a good thing. TimberWest salutes the residents of Shawnigan Lake for being interested in watershed management and openly involving TimberWest, a land management company that wants to learn from the community and share its long experience as a fellow resident. Thank you, Domenico Iannidinardo, VP Sustainability & Chief Forester Frank Limshue, Dir. of Planning and Zoning Janet and Lori - Shawnigan Focus table at the tradeshow 8 | SHAWNIGAN FOCUS Shawnigan Focus Malahat seafood feast! Georgia Collins Ling cod, crabs, clams, and salmon prepared in a variety of delightful delicious ways, spread out across the grand 21 foot, 500 year old, salvaged wood, live edge table. It was a feast for our bellies and for the eyes, and a taste of what’s to come. The Malahat Nation, whilst carrying out its own community gathering around their soon to be opening Cultural Centre, was more than willing to provide the community of Shawnigan Lake with this seafood spread for our second annual Shawnigan Gathering. And we were more than willing to devour it as quickly as we could fill our plates. As forest ecologist, Herb Hammond, outlined a plan for maintaining whole systems and watershed function to some eager onlookers, children dashed in between adults, grabbing evermore bits of smoked salmon, complaining that the clams were too squishy, and asking for help to break into the crab. All that was left at the end of this glorious feast was the pot, still a quarter full of clams, and a perfectly round heat stain on the brand new table, an emblem to forever symbolize the emergence of a much needed and anticipated relationship. First comes the food, and then comes… something lasting and reciprocal that each community can build upon. We look forward to when we dine together, when rhetoric is exchanged for integrity and when we can all listen and truly hear one another. We thank Chief Michael Harry and cook, Mark Sampson, for this beautiful opportunity to for our communities to connect with each other. And not to worry, because of a serendipitous encounter in the Shawnigan Lake Community Centre parking lot near the end of the day, the quarter pot of clams went to those who had just returned from trekking and assessing the watershed. Malahat chef Mark Sampson with Georgia Collins Not a single bite wasted. A tremendous table The Shawnigan Basin Society is the proud owner of a of uniquely magnificent board table. This generous donation is from Eugene Laughren of Raven Creek Timber Products, John Lore of Live Edge Design, Russ Crawford of Mid Island Aggregate, Owen Kelly of Victoria Construction, and the Malahat First Nation. It is constructed from one solid piece of a 500 year-old fallen Douglas fir tree from the West Coast of Vancouver Island. You can see the beautiful live edge, a signature of Live Edge Design, with the colour changes on each edge that indicate years of decay. It was milled right here in the Shawnigan basin by Eugene Laughren at his mill, Raven Creek Timber Products, on Goldstream Heights Rd. The sanding and finishing was completed at Live Edge Design on Mearns Road in Duncan. It was transported to Shawnigan by Owen Kelly of Kavik Construction. A volunteer sanding team slaved away one Saturday at Live Edge prior to the professional finishing. Another large crew of volunteers was necessary to help move the 600 lb. behemoth into the Community Centre for use during the Shawnigan Gathering. They were called on again for the move to its permanent home in the new SBS office, opposite Shawnigan House and Oma’s Bakery. Thank you to all involved! THE TABLE NEEDS CHAIRS! This table seats a whopping 24 people and if you would like to sponsor a chair we ask that donations come in the sliding scale amounts of $150$250. Your chair, which will be one of the 24 that get seated around this gorgeous table, will have your name, your family’s names and/or your business name attached to it. To donate a chair to Shawnigan’s new Watershed Planning Office please speak with Georgia Collins and/or send a cheque to the following address: Shawnigan Basin Society P.O. Box 189 - 1760 Shawnigan Mill Bay Road, Shawnigan Lake, BC, V0R 2W0 Summer Programs Now Open! Dwight Global Leaders Academy: An awardwinning program for high school students with a passion for leadership and social entrepreneurship. Participants organize, plan, and implement their own community service project and gain essential skills as true entrepreneurs and young global leaders. Apply today at www.dwightcanada.org/summer Dwight School Canada Grades 7-12 Weekday boarding is available Admissions Office 2371 Shawnigan Lake Road, Shawnigan Lake, BC 250-929-0506 admissions@dwightcanada.org www.dwightcanada.org APRIL 2014 ~ SHAWNIGAN FOCUS | 9 Shawnigan Focus Digging Up The Past Mark Woloszczak Shawnigan Focus People are always asking why I go out digging. They are intrigued, mostly because it is something they have never heard of, or thought about. I usually say that I collect old bottles, but there are numerous answers I could use. You can usually find an array of interesting things and with each obscure thing you dig up, you are actually learning more and more about the way things used to be. Bringing artifacts back into the community can only benefit us all and I can’t think of a better way to do so. Everything you find is right where it was left and you can’t help but think how it got there and who buried it. An example is buttons. You can tell if the owners were in the military, if they came from overseas, or even if they had children. As far as I’m concerned the following are good reasons to dig: being in the outdoors; getting fresh air; it’s great exercise; digging when you feel like it, and it’s free…not to mention, meeting other diggers over the years and exchanging digging finds and relating to what they talk about. It is getting harder to find unexplored areas because of development, so you find yourself going out farther, using whatever leads you get from talking to people or you just keep your eyes peeled for probable sites. Old fruit trees are a good hint. They were a food source for most homesteads as there was lack of transportation back then plus being near water was always a must. If you can find an old map, they show you how the roads travelled back then and are quite amazing and almost unbelievable compared to today. Take a Hike! Robin Massey Shawnigan Focus May 10 & 11, 2014 Mill Bay Nature Park is not a ‘hiking spot’ per se, but a rather handsome little place to visit and features a delightful system of trails to keep you plenty amused. Shawnigan Lake, BC. Join Lauren McCall for this exciting adventure in learning the basics of animal communication. During the workshop you will: Learn to communicate using Lauren’s unique nonmeditation based techniques that anyone can learn Hear what the animals are saying through words, images, or feelings Explore ways to deal with health and behaviour issues and learn about how animals feel about life Have fun while you develop new skills in a relaxed and supportive environment Open the door to the wonderful world of animals and enhance your relationship with, and understanding of them “I wanted to tell you what a worthwhile experience you provided for our group. I can honestly say that it was one of the most enlightening experiences of a lifetime.” - Donald Marshall Sign up early. This will be a small group, interactive workshop so that Lauren can give individual support and attention in a positive and relaxed learning environment. TWO DAY WORKSHOP (9:30am - 5:30pm) FEE PER PERSON: $220 Includes delicious healthy snacks, hot and cold beverages daily. To enroll for the Workshop, contact Rachel Allen Phone: 250-882-4198 • Email: beingsinbalance@gmail.com Lauren McCall is the best selling author of “The Eternal Gift: Coping with Loss of a Beloved Animal”, and the creator of the internationally known animal communication in-home study course, “Making the Connection”. She is a TTouch Instructor and has an international client base. Lauren travels and teaches in the US, Canada, Europe and Asia. She lives in Oregon with her partner, a dog, cat, guinea pig, and a very sweet rabbit. For information on private consultations, future classes and workshops, contact Lauren McCall Phone: 503-704-7499 • Email: info@IntegratedAnimal.com www.IntegratedAnimal.com Advertise in the Focus - Ads@shawniganfocus.ca 10 | SHAWNIGAN FOCUS In conversations with others, I have realized that many may not know about this great spot which could be due to it being off the beaten track. The park is owned and maintained by the CVRD who purchased the area in 1989 and fashioned some beautiful features and paths shortly thereafter. In 1991 when construction was complete, a wonderful ocean side park was born with lovely wood bridges and stairs, and trails hugging a pretty little creek that bustles down towards the ocean. The park itself is the epitome of our coastal parks in that it is home to dazzling flowers, trees, plants, moss and various birds. If the nature trails are not enough to draw you to its fabulousness, you are subtly led down to a cute little cove where, when the tide is out, you can tiptoe across the creek’s spillway and walk along the rocks and boulders to spy beach treasures and creatures. Or, you can sim- ply sit upon a perch and take in the magical beauty. Mill Bay Nature Park is truly a fun place for families and furry friends alike to explore and even have a picnic. So where is this little haven? If you are heading North on the Trans Canada Highway from Mill Bay, turn right onto Kilmalu Road and follow to the end where it curves right. Continue to the end and take a right onto Holling Road until you see the Mill Bay Nature Park sign. There is plenty of room to park nearby. From there, you will be able to check out the map with the overview of the trails to help you navigate the area. These types of parks are sweet because they allow you to take a long hike if you have time or if you want a shorter stroll it can be done in a timely fashion as well. The grade and terrain vary subtly, you can either choose a short light loop that keeps you on the upper trails or the steeper grades down to the ocean. If you haven’t been here, please check it out – I’m sure you’ll love it! Robin hangs out with a few crazy nuts in the wilderness on a weekly basis – find them at www.theomtree.com! Shawnigan Focus Shawnigan Lake Triathlon number 8 ...coming soon!!! Sarah Malerby, Shawnigan Lake Triathlon On May 25, 2014, Shawnigan Lake will host the Subaru Western Triathlon Series 8th Annual Shawnigan Lake Triathlon. Is this your year to try a Triathlon? If you can swim, bike and run - add a little practice and training - you can do it! If you have two friends, and can produce a swimmer, biker and runner trio - you can do it a little easier - while having a great time with your friends! There are four distances to choose from, with relay events available in each one: ÌÌ High School Super Sprint – 500 m swim, 10 Km Bike, 4 Km Run ÌÌ Sprint – 500 m Swim, 22 Km Bike, 5 Km Run ÌÌ Olympic – 1500 m Swim, 44 Km Bike, 10 Km Run ÌÌ The Kinsol Trestle Challenge (New Distance) – 1500 m Swim, 44 Km Bike, 21 Km Run The Shawnigan Triathlon is also host to the Western Canadian High School Championships. High school students between the ages of 12 to 19 can enter in the high-school categories of Super Sprint Individual, Sprint Individual or Relay Teams. In addi- tion, all of the Age-Groupers in the Sprint Distance will be competing for the top spot to qualify for the World Championships in Chicago in 2015. Very exciting! However, if racing in a Triathlon is not in your near future, you could join in some great community fun and help support the athletes through volunteering. The Shawnigan Lake Triathlon has become famous in triathlete circles for its wonderful volunteers and the spirit of this community. Many athletes register for the early season Shawnigan race, only because they love the friendly people and have so much support and fun at this race! Lots of volunteers are needed from May 23 to May 25, to perform a variety of duties such as welcoming and checking-in athletes, helping set-up the race course, preparing food, marshaling on race day, providing on-water lake support (kayaks/canoes/ boats), helping with the Kids Fun Run/Duathlon, etc.… .there are so many tasks, large and small that need your help! If you would like to join our Awesome Team of Volunteers, please sign-up on the website at: http://triseries. ca/volunteering.php Shawnigan Village Triathlon Festival The Shawnigan Lake Business Association will be hosting the Shawnigan Village Triathlon Festival, which takes place on Saturday, May 25 in the Village and on the streets of Shawnigan. There will be hundreds of athletes and local families in the Village from 12 to 4 pm enjoying the festivities which include the Danone Free Kids Fun Run and Duathlon Entertainment, Music, Food and Marketplace. This is probably the largest and most exciting day of the year in the Shawnigan Village. Mark your calendar and plan to check it out! Tables for the Festival marketplace are available to any businesses or organizations for free, and can be arranged by contacting Trina Burns, SLBA President. Email Trina for more information at trinaburns@shaw.ca an Aqua Sphere Wetsuit. All proceeds go to Camp Pringle, a registered charity, to help send kids to camp and support kids summer camp programs. This dinner is a fundraiser for Camp Pringle and a great opportunity to come and visit Camp Pringle - everyone is welcome to attend! The Dinner Party will take place from 5:00 to 7:00pm, and will feature some of Chef Bob’s famous dishes - a delicious gourmet lasagna, Chef Bob›s special Mac and Cheese, «gluten free» baked spaghetti, Caesar salad, garlic bread, and berries and ice cream for dessert. Coffee, tea and juice will be available and Your dinner will include dining “camp style” with triathletes, local volunteers, race organizers and families - entertainment, door prizes, and a grand draw prize for The CVRD is considering whether to provide longterm funding to support the Cowichan Sportplex and is seeking community feedback on this proposal. Come join us on May 5, 2014 to hear a presentation about the Sportplex, understand the financial implications, cost sharing options, and register your opinion to five survey questions. Join us at the Community Meeting: • Date: Monday, May 5, 2014 • Time: 7:00 p.m. • Place: Shawnigan Lake Community Centre For more information please contact: Jacob Ellis, Senior Policy Advisor Cowichan Valley Regional District Tel: 250-746-2520 Email: jellis@cvrd.bc.ca L T Dance Whether you L ive t o Da nce, L ove t o Da nce or simply wish to L earn t o Da nce we have the commitment, classes for ages 2 to adult drive and support to ensure you achieve your goals Shawnigan Lake Village | www.LtdanceStudio.com | 250.661.1767 2744 Shawnigan Lake Rd ~ below Steeples Restaurant A &R Tax Services Business and Individual Tax Services More information and detail on the Triathlon can be found on the website: complete tax service http://triseries.ca/shawnigan_lake/index.php or email Sarah Malerby, Race Director with your questions at s.malerby@triseries.ca Camp Pringle pre-race fundraiser dinner party!! You are invited! On Saturday, May 24 everyone can enjoy dinner and a gorgeous lake-view in the beautiful Camp Pringle dining hall. Community Consultation T-1 Personal Income Tax E-File Services Prior Year Returns a Specialty Small Business & Corporate Taxes Pick-up & Delivery Available Prompt Service - Low Rates Small Business Accounting & Payroll • HST • WCB Payables • Receivables • Simply Accounting Consulting Professional Bookkeeping Services for Business & Individuals Alice Baal (by appointment) Phone : Cell : Email : Web : 250-743-9868 250-920-8677 abaal@telus.net alicebookkeepingservices.com P R E C I S E • F R I E N D LY • G U A R A N T E E D there will be a cash bar. Dinner Tickets are $19.50, kids 11 and under are $10 and children 6 and under are FREE. Individual dietary needs will be accommodated, if possible – please provide advance notice at time of ticket purchase. Mark your calendar and purchase your dinner ticket before they sell out! Tickets can be purchased online at this link: http://www. triseries.ca/shawnigan_lake/ index.php Environmental Appeal Board dates: April 16, 17, 23 and June 4th - 6th. 3rdFloor 747 Fort Street, Victoria. Streaming URL www.cvrd.bc.ca/index.aspx?NID=1805 APRIL 2014 ~ SHAWNIGAN FOCUS | 11 Shawnigan Focus The Royal Canadian Legion offer continued support to all veterans, current military personnel & their families. British Columbia/Yukon Command ~ Malahat District Branch # 134 The Royal Canadian Legion, Malahat Branch # 134, has been a fixture in the Shawnigan Lake community for 80 years. ÌÌ We would like to dispel the myth that you must have military ties in order to join or come into the legion. EVERYONE is welcome and we have a lot going on throughout the year. How many times have you driven by our legion next to the ÌÌ We are supportive and active community contributors and partners, through bursaries, donations to local organizations. We also SUNDAY MAY 25, 2014 8TH ANNUAL SUBARU SHAWNIGAN LAKE TRIATHLON 7:30AM - 1:30PM Triathletes and Volunteers Wanted! Join us at West Shawnigan Lake Park or VOLUNTEER for a weekend of fun and festivities! On Saturday, enjoy a variety of fun activities during the Shawnigan Lake Triathlon Festival, including a FREE Danone Kids’ Fun Run and Duathlon in the Village, the Camp Pringle Pre-Race Dinner Party (open to everyone) and the Sport & Lifestyle Expo at West Shawnigan Lake Park. On Sunday, watch as hundreds of athletes from all across North America swim, bike and run in and around the lake and across the spectacular Kinsol Trestle! Maps | Info | Register | Volunteer | www.TRISERIES.ca firehall? Come on in. ÌÌ We host the longest running Shawnigan Lake Fishing Derby. This year will be our 30th annual on June 14th. We host a Canada Day Pancake Breakfast & kick off celebrations in conjunction with Mill Bay Lions. ÌÌ We are sporting! There are two free pool tables, and lots of dart boards/ Family owned since 1956 Your one-stop convenience store. We have everything: ÌÌ There are lots of weekly events and we welcome you to come in anytime. The Saturday Meat Draw 3 -5pm.; Fun Crib & Darts on Wed starts at 7pm; $9.00 Steak Night every second Friday at 5-8pm with live music jam where you never know who will show up and it’s a great time. ÌÌ The branch is open Tuesday from 11-6pm, Wed & Thursday from 11-9pm, and Friday 11- ?? Saturday 2pm-9pm. ÌÌ Bar phone: 250-7434621. Email: rcl134@ shaw.ca Facebook page: Malahat Legion Entertainment & Events Young Seniors Action Group Society Ed Wiebe Y.S.A.G.S. YSAGS Spring Time The arrival of Spring signals increased activities for our Seniors group. Besides the individual groups regular weekly programs, there are functions happening for all members of the general group. One is our regular meeting held each 3rd Tuesday of the month, dealing with business concerns, a program of interest to everyone and an afternoon tea and socializing. Mason’s Store spare darts. Our branch is home base to two Cowichan Valley Dart league teams, and one team in Cowichan Valley 8 Ball league. Our meeting March 18 was a “Show and Tell” program where each activity group displayed their work so far this year. On March 25, we had an afternoon of Bingo. April 8 is Spring Clean-up time. Members will give the YSAGS room in the Legion a thorough scrubbing and carpet cleaning. The outside yard will be raked, the lawn cut, the hedges trimmed and any other jobs that need doing to be ready for summer activities outside. A reminder to all members that the General Meeting on April 15 is dues renewal day ($20 for the year). May 6 is our special Spring Tea. Prizes will be raffled, including a quilt and gift certificates. One other very important function planned for June 7 is the semi-annual garage sale held at the backyard of the Legion. This is a money raising function by YSAGS members, with all proceeds go to the Legion. This is a huge garage sale, the items being donated by YSAGS, Legion members and others. If anyone in the community has items that need to find a new home, consider donating them here. You can find out the details by calling Ed: 250 743 8344 or Denis: 250 743 3107. If you are a senior, 55 years or more and want to find out more about us and how you can become a member, check out our blog: http:// blog.ysag.ca/ or email us at: ysagssl@gmail.com or phone: 250 743 8344. Subs & Hot-Dogs - Slush - Instore Bakery - Lottery Giftware - Greeting Cards - Balloons - Fax & Photocopy Dry Cleaning - Rug Doctor - Hunting Licenses - Fishing Tackle 1855 Renfrew Road Ph: 250-743-2144 Fax: 250-743-7883 I am your link to VICTORIA BUYERS Contemporary Shawnigan Lake Rancher Updated and upgraded 3bed/2bath rancher. Hardwood, slate and marble tile floors, natural gas fireplace, vaulted ceilings, French doors, outside deck, double garage and fenced back yard are some of the features of this 1300 sq ft home. Quiet neighbourhood with back yard views of Mt. Baker and Salt Spring Island. Call Farrell for your FREE NO OBLIGATION Home Evaluation $334,900 250.743.7151 250.477.7291 1750 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road Shawnigan Lake, BC Farrell@farrellmagnusson.com www.farrellmagnusson.com Open 6 Days per Week ~ Monday - Friday 9:30-5:00 ~ Saturday 9:30-1:00 12 | SHAWNIGAN FOCUS Poetry Jam ÌÌ April is National Poetry month. Join us at Inspire for a fun Beatnik evening of snaps, poetry and playing with words to celebrate. ÌÌ Monday, April 28, 7:30 pm-10:00pm. Admission by donation to Inspire! $5.00 Every being in the Universe Full of light, consciousness, beauty Beneath the rough edges of inexperience Is what trips me up but I persevere and keep trying, Pushing through the warm earth – spring – birth Into ourselves, into wholeness, into strength And unity of expression of connection Among the four of us is strengthened These lengths of thread – connections that hold fast loop, re-tie, Try And shed the fear of the unknown and make it your own Blown grown to magnificent proportions of the universe And I remember light ~ group poem written on the first poetry jam evening ÌÌ “No experience necessary” kids class on hand built pinwheel bowls. Kids ages 8 -10 will experience using raw clay that will be kiln fired, producing a decorative, stained (or Sketchcrawl unstained) bowl. (Wear an old t-shirt, pants & old ÌÌ Saturday April 19th, shoes) 2014 is the second global drawing marathon of ÌÌ Where: TBA – Check at 2014. the Inspire! Shawnigan Gathering space: #3, 1760 ÌÌ Bring your sketchbook and Shawnigan Mill Bay Road favourite mark makers to spend time sketching and ÌÌ Cost: $20.00 includes clay, drawing what you see and 2 kiln firings and stain ~ feel. Instructor: Tanis Humeny ÌÌ Start time: 11:30 am. ÌÌ To register: tghumeny@ Finish when you want. gmail.com or at Inspire! Please bring donations for Shawnigan ~ Minimum the Food bank 4 registrations/Maximum 10 (if there are 6 on a wait Pearl Workshop list, we will plan a second ÌÌ (make a cultured pearl session for the summer.) bracelet) ~ Saturday, Apr ÌÌ Check out the Inspire 26, 2014 10:00 am - 12:30 website for more info. pm. Saturday May 4th 1-3 Shawnigan Focus Manifesting your vision Ben Kotler Counsellor, Shawnigan Lake Creating change in your life can seem to get more difficult as time passes. But sometimes we carry a dream in our heart that we have always wanted to fulfill. I have recently moved to the Cowichan Valley with my wife and one and a half year old daughter. We are working on fulfilling the dream we have had of living and working in a rural community. Making a dream come true can be frustrating if we don’t know where to start. One way to start is by turning your dream into a “Vision.” A vision is a dream that has been given form and definition. In order to turn a dream into a vision it needs to be clarified in a concrete way. This might be done through writing or talking about it. Another example of making a vision concrete is through creating a “vision board.” A vision board is simply a screen where you can project your dream onto a two dimensional surface. You can create a vision board with a piece of cardboard that is mounted on the wall. On this canvas you can put images, words or phrases that represent aspects of your vision. You can cut pictures from magazines, or words from newspaper headlines. You can write phrases that help guide your vision. In the end you have a product that helps focus your conscious and unconscious mind on your greater goal. Once a vision is formed it can be changed over time, but in the meantime you have manifested your dream into reality, if only a representative reality. To move from a representative reality into a lived reality takes action. Some people find that even with a vision well defined it can still be overwhelming to imagine how to get to their end goal. For most people, it is unrealistic to think that they will have the complete solution for how to attain their vision, but if they think about it they may be able to identify one or two or more things they need to do before their vision is achieved. So, the next step is to write as many small actions that you need to take along the path to reaching your vision. At first, these steps can be in a random order. Maybe you can write each thing you need to do on a sticky note and put it on a wall. After you write as many steps down as you can, arrange them in the order that you think they need to happen. To make things easier for yourself, you can now take each step you have written and break it down into even smaller steps. When we have a dream, it is easy to either pass it off as something that will never happen or get stuck in the hope that it will manifest itself on its own. There is a power in concentrating our mind on the dream by making it into a vision. In doing so we become naturally oriented towards taking actions that will help make it a reality. But if we go further and break down our vision into concrete actions – small manageable steps we can take to help manifest our vision – we are on our way to embracing the power we have to make our dream a reality. Shawnigan special Lori Treloar Shawnigan Lake Museum It has been several years since the “Galley” coffee shop disappeared from the lakefront…and it has been a huge loss. Since then, several businesses have tried to make a go of the place with little success. The original Galley Coffee Shop opened in the late 1940s. Ray Hamilton bought the property in 1946 from a local, Pete Robertson, who for years had been operating a seasonal boat rental business to augment his income from logging. The property included a house from around the turn of the 20th century, Cedardoon (which still stands) and a garage/boathouse building. Hamilton built a large new boathouse with the Galley Coffee Shop on the top floor. At the same time, he added new docks and acquired new rental boats. In the early days, Hamilton would spend the winters repairing and painting the wooden rental boats. Many waterfront owners also left their boats with him for maintenance in the off-season. In the 1950s, as boat construction advanced to fiberglass and the outboard engines became popular, the marina business changed. When outboards of 25 horsepower (yes, you heard it right – 25 hp) became available, water skiing became popular on the lake and Hamilton built a gas shed. Selling gas for outboard fuel became a major source of revenue for the marina. During this period, float plane traffic increased as well. In 1960, Hamilton was granted a license for a “Public Airport (Water)” at the marina. He lengthened the docks so that the planes could taxi to the aviation fuel supply, available at the outer dock. Ray Hamilton was also instrumental in forming the Shawnigan Lake Yacht Club (SLYC), made up from summer families around the lake. For many years, the SLYC held an annual ‘regatta’ with canoe races; sailboat races; skiing and swimming competitions and other events. The Shawnigan Lake Museum has many of the lavish trophies from this club. The Hamilton’s retired in 1969. Roly and Jacquie Prenevost bought the Marina and Coffee Shop from the Hamiltons and operated it for the next 20 years. The Prenevosts’ did a major upgrade to the coffee shop and added a covered patio over the boat storage area. For many of us, this is the era of the ‘Galley’ that is fondly remembered. People still talk about Jacquie’s homemade pies. For the girls from Strathcona Lodge School, just around the corner, the Galley was a highlight in their boarding school life. And for younger summer residents, it was a place that parents allowed them to go, in the putputs of the day. It was always an adventure in independence to venture to the Galley for penny candy, ice cream or a milkshake. Roly and Jacquie live in the hearts of many… The Galley wasn’t just a coffee shop – it was an experience. PS: The good news is that this year you will be able to make some new memories at the soon-to-be open Galley Grill. 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Rate as ofofSeptember 2011.Personal products and residential areBank provided by Royal Bank of Canada and are subject to its standard39106 lending criteria. ® / ™ is Tr effective ademark(s) Royal Bank20, ofanada. C RBC andlending Royal Bank are registered ademarks tr mortgages of Royal of Canada. (09/2011) ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. 39106 (09/2011) PUZZLE ANSWERS TOPLESS BATHING SUIT THREE STRIKES AND YOU’RE OUT APRIL 2014 ~ SHAWNIGAN FOCUS | 13 Shawnigan Focus A good time for a good cause Tom Downey Shawnigan Lake Adventure the Shawnigan Lake Community Centre. Previously known as the The Shawnigan Lake Adventure is About to Shawnigan Lake Walk, the get more adventurous event’s current name reflects If you could make life a little easier for family caregivers in the Cowichan Valley by walking, kayaking, riding your bike, or geocaching around Shawnigan Lake with friends for a few hours, wouldn’t you be tempted to do it? Well get ready to give in to temptation. The 10th annual Shawnigan Lake Adventure, a favorite local fundraiser to support the Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society, kicks off at 8:30 a.m. on Sunday June 1 at its growth over the years, from a simple walk around the lake to a multi-faceted affair offering participants a wide range of fun activities to raise awareness and money for local family caregivers. Of course, you don’t need to be a high-performance athlete to take part. All you need is a good pair of walking shoes (or biking or kayaking gear) and the desire to help those who spend much of their lives helping others, often without any financial or emotional support. This year cyclists can choose to ride a scenic 27km, 45km, or 100 kilometre route. Geocachers, who use GPS technology to navigate an outdoors treasure hunt, are encouraged to bring their whole families. And walkers now have the option of strutting their stuff along any of five routes that suite their tastes and abilities — with a choice of a 4, 10, 14, 22 or 27 kilometre trail. Chances are, you may know a local unsung caregiving hero: According to a Statistics Canada Study, 28% of Canadians aged 15 years and older provided care in 2012 to a family member or friend with a long-term health condition, disability or aging needs. So, circle the date on your calendar now. By enjoying the great outdoors right here in your own backyard, you can help the Cowichan Family Caregivers Support Society top last year’s efforts, which attracted 200 participants and volunteers and raised $22,000 for the cause. To register, just visit the Shawnigan Lake Pharmacy or www.ShawniganLakeAdventure.com News from South Cowichan Community Policing Alison Philp South Cowichan Community Policing South Cowichan Community policing is always thinking of ways to provide security as well as community service to residents. With our new fundraising committee we’ve been coming up with ideas to raise funds while also providing a necessary service and have come up with what we think fulfills those needs. We will be holding a ‘Return It’, bottle collection on the third Saturday of each month from 10am – 3pm at the Valley View Centre recycling area at the north end of the Country Grocer parking lot Being residents of the region ourselves, we felt that making the trip to the ‘Return it’ depot north of Duncan is often inconvenient and not terribly lucrative as the return is often not worth the gas it takes to get there. We will be set up to receive and sort your returnable bottles, cans and other drink containers (except milk products) and will truck these in to the Depot and receive the money for our fundraising efforts to support our various community programs. It is our hope that we will be successful enough to also accept applications from eligible South Cowichan clubs, schools or groups to support their fundraising efforts for special events. Please put a reminder on your fridge ~ The 3rd Saturday of each month is Return It Day in South Cowichan 120 – 2720 Mill Bay Rd. Mill Bay Centre ~ www.southcowichancommunitypolicing.ca 250 929-7222 SHAWNIGAN LAKE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT PO Box 201, Shawnigan Lake, BC V0R 2W0 Phone: (250)743-2096 Fax: (250)743-2096 Non-emergency Phone: (250)812-8030 Email: shawniganfire@shaw.ca Department Members Attended 13 Calls in March ÌÌ Wednesday, March 5 – 1st Responder off Campbell Rd ÌÌ Wednesday, March 5 – Boat Fire on Briarwood Cresc ÌÌ Thursday, March 6 – Hydro Line Fire on Renfrew Rd ÌÌ Thursday, March 6 – MVI on Shawnigan Lake Rd ÌÌ Saturday, March 8 – 1st Responder off Heald Rd ÌÌ Friday, March 14 – 1st Responder in Burnum Park ÌÌ Friday, March 14 – 1st Responder off Wallbank Rd ÌÌ Friday, March 14 – Assistance in Burnum Park ÌÌ Saturday, March 15 – 1st Responder in the Beach Estates ÌÌ Tuesday, March 18 – Chimney Fire on Heald Rd ÌÌ Wednesday, March 19 – 1st Responder in Arbutus Mtn Estates ÌÌ Saturday, March 22 – 1st Responder off Cameron-Taggart Rd ÌÌ Wednesday, March 26 –Smoke Sighting on Strathcona Heights Rd. LIKE the SHAWNIGAN FOCUS on FACEBOOK & Follow us on TWITTER 14 | SHAWNIGAN FOCUS Shawnigan Focus IG SHAWN US AN FOC COMMUNITY CALENDAR ÌÌ Area B Director’s meetings 1st Monday of each month – 7 pm at SL Community Centre www. fraserforshawnigan.ca CLASSIFIED Need old-fashioned gardener for 3 visits a week “SHAWNIGAN LAKE: ÌÌ Starting May long weekend to end of September. ÌÌ Shawnigan Advisory Planning Commission (APC) 1st Thursday of each month. 7 pm at Inspire Gathering Place ÌÌ Watering of plants, sweeping of pathways and boat shelter; max. 1 hr per visit. Our house is for sale and we need the grounds to be kept up by meticulous person! ÌÌ Shawnigan Parks and Recreation Commission 3rd Thursday of each month 6:30 pm at SLCC ÌÌ We will pay travel time on top and will match commercial hourly rate. Inquire by email : fatuitas1@gmail.com” ÌÌ Shawnigan Improvement District 2nd Monday of each month 7 pm at #1 Fire Hall Shawnigan Beach Estates Community Yard Sale ÌÌ Shawnigan Residents Association (SRA) Board meeting 3rd Tuesday of each month 7pm - www.thesra.ca ÌÌ (North end of lake off Renfrew) ÌÌ Shawnigan Lake Business Association (SLBA) 1st Tuesday of each month 7 pm at the Village Chippery. ÌÌ Multiple households participating. Park the car and walk to many sales in one place! ÌÌ Shawnigan Lake Community Association 4th Monday of each month 7pm. Contact bburr@shaw.ca ÌÌ Shawnigan Village Development Council Meeting times TBA. Everyone welcome! ÌÌ Sunday, May 4 9am-2pm ADVERTISE IN THE SHAWNIGAN FOCUS! Cheap rates, great exposure! ads@shawniganfocus.ca ÌÌ Shawnigan Basin Society See website for details: www.shawniganwater.org ÌÌ Inspire! Arts, Culture and Heritage Gathering Space hours: M/W/F 11-4: www.inspireshawnigan.com ÌÌ Young Seniors Action Group (YSAG) Info at: www.ysag.ca email: ysagssl@gmail.com ÌÌ Shawnigan Lake Museum Hours: Friday, Saturday, Sunday 11:30-4. www. shawniganlakemuseum.com email: shawniganlakemuseum@shaw.ca ÌÌ Shawnigan Scouts To register/questions: William Thow: thow@pacificcoast.net ÌÌ O.U.R. Ecovillage: Permaculture Design Certificate & Earth Activist training May 16-June 1st: OUR Ecovillage tours - Apr. 12, May 3rd, May 17, June 7, June 21. 9:45 -12 noon. More info: ourecovillage.org ÌÌ www.exploringshawniganlake.com ÌÌ Shawnigan Lake Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/129586433786330/ What Is It? Where Is It? Why Is IT? First correct answer sent to editor@ shawniganfocus.ca wins two Specialty Coffees at Shawnigan House! The winner for March was Isaac La Roy. The photo showed the baseball backstop through the chainlink fence at Shawnigan Hills Athletic Park. We thought this was a tough one! Denturist BUS: 250.743.3311 Fax: 250.743.0737 Valleyview Centre #18-1400 Cowichan Bay Rd. Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L3 This could be your View!! Shawnigan Lakefront Lots - FOR SALE!! Sunny South Facing Building Lots. Beach and deep water for moorage. May build to suit. Will have septic approval. 250-743-9000 Custom Homes, Custom Docks, Pilings, Concrete Piers, Excavations, Foundations, Drainage, Retaining Walls APRIL 2014 ~ SHAWNIGAN FOCUS | 15 Shawnigan Focus Shawnigan protests at the Legislature In Shawnigan Village @ 1755 Shawnigan-Mill Bay Road Photo by Chris Clay Repairs & Alterations Custom Creations Fine Dress Making Nina Wang : 250-466-4206 / 250-929-4685 Photo by Chris Clay Shawnigan Weather March 2014 Stats courtesy of UVic Weather Network ~ complied by Grant Treloar Lightly Battered Crispy Cod Nuggets topped with Sweet & Sour Sauce, fresh pineapple and diced onions. Served over rice. * Bring in this Ad and we will include coffee/tea or fountain soda and ice cream too! ( Offer expires April 30, 2014 ) .com/VillageChippery full menu on-line @ www.villagechippery.com OPEN DAILY 11 - 7:30 Fridays ’til 8 (The last 15 minutes for Take-Away) DINE - IN OR TAKE - AWAY LUNCH • DINNER • LICENSED 250-929-8886 In Shawnigan Village, where friends meet . . . at the purple building ! 16 | SHAWNIGAN FOCUS - APRIL 2014
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